Chapter 22: Hot Pot

A few minutes later, a knock on the door sounded, and the next second, a waiter walked in carrying a hot pot and ingredients.

The waiter lit the fire, placed the pot down, and arranged the dishes on the table before leaving the room.

The three of them weren’t very hungry, but seeing the boiling hot pot and fresh ingredients, they all felt quite appetizing.

Lu Jingchen, holding the public chopsticks, was dipping meat for the two girls. Not to mention Qin Ruyan, even Zhang Qiyao was a little surprised. Her brother had never treated her like this.

Lu Jingchen seemed to notice Zhang Qiyao’s gaze, looked up, and glanced at her indifferently.

“Not eating?”

His voice was calm, but Zhang Qiyao felt a little intimidated.

She shook her head, “It’s a bit hot, I’ll eat it after it cools down.”

Qin Ruyan didn’t say anything, she lowered her eyelashes and slowly ate the meat in her bowl.

After Lu Jingchen dipped another small bowl of meat for her, he put down his chopsticks.

He leaned back in his chair, lowered his head, and let out a chuckle.

The excuse he found to get close to her, she seemed to accept it readily. Now she was eating the food he had picked for her without any reaction. Was he counterproductive?

Qin Ruyan didn’t think as much as he did. She took another bite of ribs, put down her chopsticks, picked up the teacup beside her and took a sip, then put it down, picked up a napkin to wipe her mouth, and then spoke.

“Brother Lu, Yaoyao, I’m full, you guys eat slowly.”

Since Lu Jingchen was willing to be her brother, why wouldn’t she be happy? With him as her brother, wouldn’t she, Qin Ruyan, be able to run wild in Beijing?

Well, even without him, she could still run wild in Beijing.

Lu Jingchen’s brows furrowed slightly, he didn’t speak, just hummed lightly.

It was Zhang Qiyao who looked at her brother and then at Qin Ruyan thoughtfully, then lowered her head, leaned closer to Qin Ruyan, and whispered, “When did you two become so close?”

Qin Ruyan lifted her eyelids and glanced at her.

“You said in the clothing store that your brother is my brother, and just when you went to the bathroom, your brother asked me for my WeChat, saying that since you said he’s your brother, he’s also my brother.”

Zhang Qiyao’s mouth twitched, she didn’t believe her brother would do such a thing, but Qin Ruyan seemed to guess her thoughts, picked up her phone, opened WeChat, and showed her the friend request record.

…

Zhang Qiyao coughed, picked up the teacup beside her, took a sip, and looked up. Lu Jingchen was looking at her with a disapproving expression.

Zhang Qiyao didn’t understand why her brother was so moody today. She didn’t dare ask, so she put down her cup and spoke.

“Brother, I’m full too. You eat slowly.”

Lu Jingchen glanced at the two of them. He wasn’t really hungry either, he just came to check on them.

He got up, took his coat, and hung it on his arm. “Let’s go. I’ll take you to the pedestrian street.”

It was a bit far from the pedestrian street. Qin Ruyan, hearing this, reached out and pulled Zhang Qiyao’s sleeve, shaking her head at her. She then turned to Lu Jingchen.

“No need, Brother Lu. Yaoyao and I have to go on a business trip the day after tomorrow, so we need to go back early tonight to pack our luggage.”

If she stayed in the same space with Lu Jingchen any longer, she feared she would lose years off her life! The man was too cold, and his aura was too strong.

Lu Jingchen’s lips twitched. He looked at Qin Ruyan, but didn’t force her.

“Alright, I’ll take you back.”

He turned and walked out of the private room, not giving her a chance to refuse.

Qin Ruyan was defeated. She turned to look at Zhang Qiyao. “Sorry, Yaoyao. I really feel a bit… with your brother here.”

Zhang Qiyao waved her hand. “Yanyan, don’t say that. Even I’m a bit scared of my brother. It’s okay, I’ll let my brother take you back first. I have something to do.”

Qin Ruyan was struck by lightning. She looked at her, her voice a little nervous. “You, you’re not coming with us?”

Seeing her like this, Zhang Qiyao playfully teased her.

“Yanyan, my brother isn’t that scary. He just looks cold. Besides, he said he treats you like a sister. You’re his sister’s best friend, after all!”

Qin Ruyan was internally conflicted. Your brother doesn’t look like he treats your best friend like a sister at all.

She didn’t say anything more and resignedly walked out.

At the door, Lu Jingchen stood by the door waiting for her.